Whitehorse City Council wishes our community a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year.

In 2023, the Lunar New Year falls on 22 January.

The Lunar New Year marks the transition between Chinese zodiac signs, with 2023 being the year of the Rabbit. The Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace and prosperity in Chinese culture.

See what's happening around Whitehorse for Lunar New Year 2023. 

The date of the Lunar New Year Day falls on the new moon of the first lunar month, meaning it changes each year. There are three significant periods of celebration during this time.

• Little Year: Preparations for the New Year begin on 14 January and last until 21 January, or New Year’s Eve. In this time, it is common for people to thoroughly clean their houses to remove any bad luck from the previous year and make a fresh start. People also commonly decorate their houses with red lanterns and signs, as red symbolises energy and good luck. This is also why money is gifted to children, unmarried adults and retired seniors in red envelopes at this time.
• Lunar New Year: Also known as the ‘Spring Festival’ in China, the Lunar New Year officially begins on 22 January, with celebrations lasting until 1 February. During this time, people set off firecrackers, visit their families, give offerings to their ancestors and eat some delicious traditional foods.
• Lantern Festival: Preparations for this event begin on 2 February and the Festival is held on 5 February. People celebrate by creating lanterns and gazing upon the full moon.

Alongside the fabulous Lunar New Year festival in Box Hill Mall, there are many great events happening in Whitehorse to celebrate this special time of year.